A beloved therapy dog who has become a familiar face to hundreds of people in Exeter is receiving an outpour of support after being diagnosed with cancer.
Orsa, a 57kg Maremma Mountain dog, has spent the past seven years comforting customers in the Exeter Craft Hub on Sidwell Street as well as being a professional therapy dog who visits care homes and supports people with additional needs.
Known for her calm nature and fluffy white appearance, Orsa has developed her own fan club, with many customers regularly stopping by the shop specifically to see her and buy merchandise inspired by Orsa.
Her owner Sonya Ellis, owner of Exeter Craft Hub, said Orsa began to experience unusual symptoms last October.
She said: “Orsa started sneezing and had nose bleeds. At first they thought it might be a stuck grass seed, but after more tests they found a mass. I was absolutely devastated, it was really difficult telling the customers.”
The tumour in Orsa’s throat can not be operated on so the beloved pooch is receiving radiotherapy in Bristol.
Orsa was homed by Sonya at six-months-old and later qualified as a therapy dog(Image: Sonya Ellis)
She has already received two treatments so far and is recovering well although the process makes her tired.
“She hates the needles in her paws and the eyedrops they’ve given us, that seems to bother her a lot. She is very tired and is taking a lot of time to rest.”
The treatment costs are substantial, with Sonya estimating the total could eventually reach £20,000 depending on how many rounds of treatment Orsa needs.
Fans of Orsa have rallied to help support the hefty pet bills by donating on a fundraising page and by giving money in the shop.
“So far we’ve spent over £6,000 on CT scans and radiotherapy. I’ve cashed in a pension to pay for Orsa’s treatment but the donations have been really helpful. Everyone loves her so much.”
Sonya estimated that around 30 people a day visit the shop just to see Orsa.
“We have a lot of students come in to see Orsa, especially foreign students who miss their pets at home. They tell me they really miss her and hope she gets better soon.”
Children who regularly spend time with Orsa have been making ‘get well soon’ cards and drawing pictures for the dog.
Orsa has a huge fan club in Exeter and beyond(Image: Sonya Ellis)
“There’s been a lot of tears in the shop, we all just want her to get better soon.”
Although Orsa is currently spending a lot of time at home resting after treatment, Sonya says she still enjoys seeing people when she’s up to it.
“When she wants to come in, she’ll let me know. Right now we’re just making the most of the time we have with her.”
A fundraiser has been launched to help with Orsa’s veterinary bills. To donate, visit Sonya’s crowdfunder .
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